DAVAO CITY — The military will closely monitor political candidates who may give in to the demand of the New People’s Army (NPA) to seek a so-called permit to campaign (PTC) and permit to win (PTW) in far-flung areas in the Davao Region.
“Laging meron yan. Hindi nawawala yan (It happens. It has never stopped) during elections but we want to emphasize that seeking permit to campaign and win from the NPA is not allowed,” said Col. Gilbert Saret, commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry brigade based in Barangay Mapaang, Maco, Compostela Valley.
Saret said politicians are aware of their responsibilities and duties, and he hopes the practice of soliciting any support from the NPA would be stopped.
Saret said based on the accounts of NPA surrenderers, a number of politicians are providing support to the armed group.
“We can’t say it is really confirmed but they are not just big politicians,” he said.
Saret said the military will strengthen their intelligence monitoring to know the NPA scheme in pressuring candidates to give in to its demands.
“We all know that it is difficult on the part of the candidate because they need to go to the barrios to let people know of their programs. It will be a very challenging task of the candidate,” Saret said. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)
